Mirror with game board design and animals of the four directions
On the back of this mirror, a diagrammatic decoration points to a new cosmology. The square world—aligned with the four cardinal directions and inscribed with the “twelve earthly branches” used to compute the calendar—is surrounded by the circular heavens, in turn ringed by the waves of the cosmic ocean. Animals of the four directions (the green dragon of the east, white tiger of the west, red bird of the south, and entwined black turtle and snake of the north) and other mythical creatures share the heavens with T-, L-, and V-shaped markings. These recall the measuring devices and rulers used by Fu Xi and Nu Wa, who were believed to have created the universe.
Artwork Details
- 漢四神博 局紋銅鏡
- Title: Mirror with game board design and animals of the four directions
- Period: Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
- Date: 1st–2nd century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Bronze with black patina
- Dimensions: Diam. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
- Classification: Mirrors
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1917
- Object Number: 17.118.42
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
Vietnam
late 2nd–3rd century
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
1st to mid-2nd century
India, Ancient kingdom of Kashmir
9th century
China
late 2nd century
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